DFL Debacle: Health Insurance Premiums Set to Skyrocket Under Obamacare… Again

Obamacare Continues to Increase Costs Despite Promises of Savings From Democrats 
 
Despite promises from Minnesota Democrats of savings under their Obamacare exchange, MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance premiums are set to increase again in 2017. Minnesota Jobs Coalition Executive Director John Rouleau issued the following statement upon the proposed rate increases being released. 
 
“Minnesota Democrats across the state praised MNsure and promised families would save $500 on their insurance premiums. After having among the highest increases in the nation last year, Minnesotans are now being hit again with massive rate increases that will cost families hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per year. Minnesotans simply can’t afford these types of rate increases. It’s past time to scrap Minnesota’s failed Obamacare scheme where families pay more and get less.” 
 
DFL Legislators Praised MNsure and Promised Lower Costs: 
 
John Persell: “This bill is smart for our state because it will help Minnesota families save money” (John Persell “Health insurance exchange passes in State House; Rep. Persell votes in favor” The Pilot Independent, 3/7/2013) 
Patti Fritz: “Fritz supported the health exchange. The five-term representative said Minnesota families are expected to save more than $1 billion …’The Health Insurance Exchange will allow Minnesota to once again lead the nation in healthcare,'”(Derek Sullivan “Steele County lawmakers split on Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange”Blooming Prairie Leader, 3/5/2013) 
Andrew Falk: “It’s something that will make it easier for Minnesota families to get health care” (Andrew Falk ” To the Editor: Rep. Andrew Falk gives an update” Granite Falls News, 2/6/2013)
Jay McNamar: “I tell you what, MNsure has been a good deal.” (Jay McNamar “Meet the Canidates” Pioneer Public Television)
Zachary Dorholt: “[Dorholt] said the exchange could help bring down the cost of coverage by helping consumers shop for and compare coverage,” (Times Staff & News Services, “House Moves Closer To Vote,” St. Cloud Times, 3/15/13)
Tom Anzelc: “[The legislature] passed legislation to establish a health insurance marketplace that drives down costs by increasing competition” (Tom Anzelc, Op-Ed, “Let’s Focus On The People, Not Partisanship,” Grand Rapids Herald-Review 3/13/13)
Mary Sawatzky: “Tonight, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 5, legislation establishing a health insurance exchange, on a vote of 72 to 58. The exchange will be an online marketplace where Minnesotans can compare and purchase health insurance coverage. Rep. Mary Sawatzky (DFL – Willmar) voted in favor of the bill.” (Rep. Mary Sawatzky Press Release, 3/4/13) 
Among Sawatzky’s Claims In Press Release:
  • “… Exchange Is Projected To Serve More Than 1.2 Million.” (Rep. Mary Sawatzky Press Release, 3/4/13)
  • “Minnesota Families Are Projected To Save Over $1 Billion By Using The Exchange To Purchase Insurance” (Rep. Mary Sawatzky Press Release, 3/4/13)